His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday named Samir Rifai as the new prime minister, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister Nader Dahabi.

Earlier in the day, King Abdullah accepted the resignation of Dahabi, who had served as premier since 2007, along with his government.

In his letter to the King, Dahabi expressed his appreciation for the King's confidence in him and his ministerial team.

In a reply to Dahabi, King Abdullah voiced his thanks and expressed appreciation for the work of Dahabi and his ministerial team.

Also a Royal Decree was issued Wednesday directing the secretaries general of the various ministries to conduct the ministries' business until the newly appointed prime minister has completed the formation of a new government.